CITY ARBORISTS TO PARTICIPATE IN EVENT HONORING VETERANS
On Wednesday, September 21, three City arborists, along with four pieces of equipment will travel to Camp Butler National Cemetery, in Springfield, to participate in the second annual Arborists United for Veteran Remembrance Day of Service. This event is organized by Saluting Branches to express their gratitude to our brave men and women who have served in the armed services,
In 2015, Saluting Branches held the first Day of Service at 27 cemeteries in 21 states nationwide. Over 1,000 volunteers participated in the inaugural event, including City of Champaign staff, donating an estimated $1 million in services. This year there are 35 cemeteries in 27 states who will be participating, including Camp Butler.
Saluting Branches is a non-profit organization originated by Rainbow Treecare; partnered with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the National Cemetery Administration, to create a national day of volunteer tree care services at veteran’s cemeteries. The goal of the event is to help make our troops’ final resting places safe and beautiful environments for all who visit. Some of the larger national cemeteries have funding to spend on contractors for necessary tree work. Smaller cemeteries, like Camp Butler, do not have the funding to effectively manage the trees themselves.